معرفی
Heather Burns is an Associate Professor and coordinator of the Leadership for Sustainability Education (LSE) graduate program in the Educational Leadership and Policy department at Portland State University. She also serves as faculty coordinator of the Learning Gardens Laboratory, a garden-based education site. Her academic background includes:
- EdD in Educational Leadership (emphasis in sustainability education) from Portland State University
- Interdisciplinary master’s degree (adult education, women’s studies, communication studies) from Oregon State University, focusing on experiential social justice education
Dr. Burns teaches courses in sustainability leadership, sustainability pedagogy, spiritual leadership, permaculture, whole systems design, and deep ecology. Her research examines pedagogical approaches to sustainability education in higher education, emphasizing:
- Transformative learning frameworks
- Experiential and community-based methodologies
- Contemplative inquiry and whole-person development
- Integration of self-care practices in graduate education
She maintains active engagement beyond academia as a certified forest therapy guide and permaculture designer, with prior experience operating a community-supported farm in Portland.
